Risk of future deaths unless action is taken
A CORONER has called for better training for custody healthcare workers after a man had a seizure related to alcohol withdrawal and died.
Mark Pryor, 46, died at Royal Derby Hospital after being held at St Mary’s Wharf police station in September 2020.
The 46-year-old from Belper had been arrested and held at St Mary’s Wharf Police Station, Derby, on Friday, September 4. He was found the next day unconscious in his cell.
Staff attempted CPR and even used a defibrillator to try and revive Mr Pryor. He was eventually taken to hospital by paramedics but doctors pronounced him dead at 2.35pm on Saturday, September 5.
Coroner Peter Nieto has called on the Government to take action and to implement better training in a prevention of future deaths report.
Mr Pryor was arrested because he failed to attend a court hearing at Southern Derbyshire Magistrates’ Court and a warrant was issued.
Coroner Peter Nieto said he was concerned that health care professionals (HCPs) may not be receiving sufficient and adequate training to practise effectively or safely in police custody suites.
CORONER’S CONCERNS FOLLOWING INQUEST INTO DEATH OF ALCOHOL-DEPENDENT MAN WHO WAS IN POLICE CUSTODY
Mr Nieto has written a prevention Speaking on the circumstances conclusion: “Mr Pryor suffered of future deaths report after concluding surrounding the death, Mr Nieto an alcohol withdrawal-related there were deficiencies in said: “Mr Pryor was attended on four seizure whilst detained in police the assessments taken by the HCPs, separate occasions by two different custody which caused cardiorespiratory adding that they were “lacking in HCPs whilst in custody. He was recognised arrest and death. consistent information.” to be dependent on alcohol “There were deficiencies in the
Mr Pryor was seen in custody four and when he began to exhibit symptoms health care professionals’ assessment times by two different HCPs due to of withdrawal a HCP began a and treatment of Mr Pryor’s his opiate misuse, methadone usage course of alcohol withdrawal medication alcohol withdrawal which probably and alcohol dependency. He was to reduce the symptoms and made a more than minimal contribution born on December 19, 1973 and had guard against possible alcohol withdrawal-related to his death.” no occupation, was unmarried and seizures. Mr Nieto shared his concerns, lived in Faire Street, Derby. The inquest jury returned the following adding that there was a risk of future deaths unless action was taken.
He said: “I am concerned that health care professionals may not be receiving sufficient and adequate training to enable them to practice effectively or safely in police custody suites.
“This is based on the evidence and findings in Mr Pryor’s inquest and my understanding that the training provided by [trainer] HCRG may be very similar to that given by other providers of HCP police custody services nationally.
“Current training provided to newly appointed HCPs [by HCRG] consists of shadowing shifts with an experienced HCP, potentially for up to six or eight shifts; a two-day induction course; a medicationrelated course of less than a day which includes a pass or fail test. There is also formal supervision and a three-month probationary period.”
Mr Nieto then detailed the twoday induction course and the topics that it covers, adding that it was “difficult” to see that necessary training could be given within the specified time to equip a paramedic or nurse who is fresh to the custody setting to practice effectively and safely.
He concluded: “In my opinion, action should be taken to prevent future deaths and I believe you have the power to take such action.”